CASSIUS M. CLAY, "LION" - The Filson Historical Society

More documents

Recommendations

Info

1957] Cassius M. Clay 139 possession of the country will have to be resorted to. We are on parole confined to the bounds of the City, and except that we are continually liable to assassination by the "greasers" or common people, we spend our time very agreeably. Living in this City is higher than in any place in the world and in consequence we are somewhat troubled to get the means of support. E. W. Smith, a NEw Englander has accommodated us with money so far; and we have given him a draft upon Coleman of Louisville for eleven hundred dollars $300 of which is mine, which I trust you will take means immediately of placing at his command at Louisville, as I do not want to put him to any inconvenience on my account. The Mexican government only pays us fifty cents per day. I have received a letter from Mary Jane dated April 3rd, which I answered, but as the regular intercourse between the countries is cut off I am discouraged about writing as there is no certainty of my letters coming to hand. As it is very uncertain when I shall get home I wish you would press and close all my suits as some money is owing me and it would thus lighten my debts. What has become of my suit against the mob? I wish you to make some contract with the N.Y. Tribune and fulfill the obligations of our subscription book--that is where we owe papers to substitute the Tribune for the unexpired time. Either so, or refund, which is much more difficult and expensive. I suppose the country now regards this war as no trifle---ruinous--if not infamous. Can any man tell me why all this expenditure of blood and money. Have we not land enough? Do we want eight millions of revolutionary Indians and half breed, to increase the difficulties of the elective franchise and the stability of the Union? Surely this administration will have a heavy load of responsibility to carry. I hope they will every where be defeated. They have carried their party feelings into the military appointments and attempted to disgrace eminent men who were risking all for their country--Will our people stand all this? How can they expect volunteers to reenlist when civilians are put over the heads of war worn soldiers ? Is not such conduct sufficient to disgust all men?4s Taylor is said to be advancing upon San Luis and Scott and Worth are at Pueblo and expected every day to march upon this City--but of these things you will know better and sooner than I. And I am not allowed to write of the preparations or arrangements of the-Mexicans as it would be a violation of my parole. Give my love to your wife-and Mary Jane and the word that you have heard from me. Believe me ever truly and aff'y Your brother C. M. Clay
140 The Filson Club History Quarterly [Vol. 31 Frankfort, Sunday 1 o'clock P.M. [Dec. 6] Dear Brutus, We look somewhat for Mr. Clay at two o'clock in the stage. We will go on to Lex. Tuesday morning & reach there by 12 o'clock. He is to have a great reception. I know he will want to see you, so write these few lines that you may be there to welcome him home again. Bring Ann along with you. Affectionately yrs. M. J. Clay If he comes not today he will be here tomorrow certainly without some accident. Frankfort, 9 Dec. 1847 D. Brutus, With the brightest degree of pleasure, I announce the arrival of Capt. C. M. Clay, at my house at 12 o'clock this day, where he met his wife and four sons44--He will remain here until Saturday morning and reach Lexington between two and three o'clock on Saturday next when and where they all desire to meet you and family . . . All well J. Dudley [Inscribed on the cover of the above letter] The P. Master will please send this immediately---C. M. Clay is here and goes up to Lex. on Saturday. J.D. IV In evaluating the letters contained in this article, it must be kept in mind that while they do justice to Mary Jane they fail to do justice to her husband. They contain little to explain his absorption in public matters to the exclusion of personal interests. It is right, and only fair, to her that they do, particularly in view of the family differences of later years. It is equally fair to her husband, Cassius M. Clay, to say that, taken out of their context as they necessarily must be in a short article such as this, the letters nevertheless are an integral part of the evidence, which shows that Clay had dedicated himself to ultimate victory, no matter what the cost over the political domination of the State and Nation by interests which had a selfish stake in the perpetuation of slavery. With him this end became an enveloping and all-consuming emotional drive. Mary Jane, at this point in their married life, thoroughly understood that, and was in sympathy with it. She met without complaint the sacrifices demanded of her, as the letters show.
Page 1 and 2: CASSIUS M. CLAY, "LION" OF WHITE HA
Page 3 and 4: 124 The Filson Club History Quarter
Page 17: 138 The Filson Club History Quarter
Page 25: 146 The Filson Club History Quarter

CASSIUS M. CLAY, "LION" - The Filson Historical Society

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?